Can I find the color code by VIN number?

If you're looking to find the color code for your vehicle based on its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), you've come to the right place. The VIN number is a unique identifier that contains a wealth of information about your car, including its color. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of decoding your VIN to uncover your vehicle's color code.

Understanding the VIN Number

The VIN number is a 17-character code that provides a wealth of information about your vehicle, including its manufacturer, model, year of production, and more. The VIN is typically located on the driver's side dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or the engine block. Each character in the VIN represents a specific piece of information about your car.

Locating the Color Code in the VIN

The color code for your vehicle is typically found in the 10th character of the VIN. This character represents the production year of your car. By decoding this character, you can determine the color of your vehicle. Here's a breakdown of the most common color code characters:

• A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y, Z - These characters represent the various color options available for your vehicle.


• 0 - This character may indicate a special or custom color that is not part of the standard color options.

To find the color code for your vehicle, simply locate the 10th character in your VIN and refer to the list above to determine the corresponding color.

Verifying the Color Code

Once you've identified the color code in your VIN, you can verify the information by checking the vehicle's registration, owner's manual, or contacting the manufacturer. This will ensure that you have the correct color information for your car.

Conclusion

Decoding your vehicle's color code from the VIN number is a straightforward process that can provide valuable information about your car. By understanding the structure of the VIN and the meaning behind each character, you can easily identify the color of your vehicle and use this information for a variety of purposes, such as ordering touch-up paint or verifying the car's history.

How do I find out the exact color of my vehicle?

To find your car's color, check the driver's side door jamb for a sticker that often has a paint code. Other common locations include under the hood or the window sticker. If you can't find the code, provide your VIN to the car dealership or check an online VIN lookup tool. 
This video shows how to find the paint code on your car: 45sAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 1, 2024
Where to look on your car

• Driver's door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a label or sticker on the door frame or the pillar where the door latches. This is the most common location. 
• Under the hood: Look for a sticker or placard under the hood that may contain the paint code. 
• Window sticker: The original window sticker from when the car was new often lists the paint code. 
• Other possible locations: Some manufacturers may place the code in the glove box, trunk, or owner's manual. 
• Owner's manual: The owner's manual is another place to check for the paint code. 

What to do if you can't find the code

• Contact the dealership: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a dealership, and they can look up the exact color code for you.
• Use online tools: Some online resources can provide the color code using your VIN, but not all online VIN lookup tools have this information. 

Where is the paint code on a VIN plate?

A vehicle's paint code is not part of the VIN number itself, but you can use the VIN to find the correct paint code. The paint code is a unique identifier for a car's specific paint color and is typically found on a sticker or metal plate in a few common locations, such as the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the owner's manual.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a vehicle, including in common locations like the door jamb: 56sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 5, 2017
Where to find the paint code on your vehicle

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location for a sticker or plate with the paint code. 
• Under the hood: Look for a label on the firewall, radiator support, or inner strut tower. 
• Owner's manual: The code is often listed in the manual. 
• Trunk area: Check the underside of the trunk lid or inside the spare tire well. 
• Other locations: Depending on the make and model, it could be on the dashboard, B-pillar, or inside the glove box. 

How to use your VIN to find the paint code
This video explains how to use your VIN to find the paint code on a vehicle: 57sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024

• Call your dealership: Provide the VIN to a dealership's parts department, and they can look up the exact paint code for you. 
• Use online VIN decoders: Some online tools can decode your VIN to find the paint code, though this information is often proprietary and might require a direct lookup or dealer assistance for accuracy. 

Can you get a color code from a VIN number?

You can call your dealer, give them your VIN, and ask for the paint code. Another option is searching for paint codes online by using your VIN. Though your VIN won't give you your car's exact paint code or color, it's a tool that will help you find it.

Does the VIN number tell paint color?

No, you cannot find your car's paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car. 
Where to find your paint code

• On a sticker inside the driver's door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE," says CarParts.com. 
• On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com. 
• In your owner's manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner's manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto. 

If you can't find the code on your car 

• Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer. 
• Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify.